Newbie

[jjfrisk]

Good afternoon all. Thanks for inviting me to your forum. I currently own a 2004 Mazda 6 sport wagon (mine), a 2000 Mazda protege (daughter) & a 2001 Toyota Camry (wife & son). I am going later today to look at a 2005 Vibe. The car has 101,000 miles and the asking price is $5500. Only knowing that this is basically a Toyota in Pontiac clothing, I don't know much else about it. Can anyone tell me what specific problems or indicators I should look for in this vintage Vibe with about 100,000 miles. I believe there is no timing "belt", but instead a chain that does not need periodic changing. Any information you share will be helpful to me.

Thanks in advance,

jj

[jjfrisk]

Thanks Guys for looking,

I checked out the Vibe and here are some obsevations.

Exterior looked good,but it had the black accent on the bottom of the red paint and it looked like it was fading It was a matte finish and I'm not sure how to bring the luster back on that. Next was that the panel on the driver armrest that controls the locks and windows was loose. Need to know how that attaches if it's a screw or a pin or if the panelel itself that has pins attached and needs replacment. Headlight lens need restoreing, but were not real bad. On thedash was an amber light that was saying "pasenger air bag on". Is there a way to turn the airbag on and off or is there a problem. Car drove good on a small urban drive, ideled well stopped well, did not pull when brakeing. Please let me know your thought's.

Thanks,

jj

[Salsa Guy]

The 05 should have had the ECU replaced (assuming it's not a AWD or GT). Although the car is 95% Toyota the HVAC system is GM. On the Black Matte, you could try some armor all and that seemed to help mine but you'll need to re-apply every few months. Some people have repainted them. I've read issues about the switches on the doors and how to repair them.

For the mileage and price it's seems to be a good deal but with any 9y/o car there will be a few issues.

Good Luck

[jjfrisk]

Thank you salsa Guy for the recall information. I looked up vibe recalls and it shows the 2005 to have a recall on the ECM ( Electronic Control Module). I'm assuming we are talking the same thing. Is this recall something that all GM dealers will honor? The seller said he did get a recall notice, but never acted on it. I'm very interested in the car and was wondering if you had any other insights about what to look at before I purchase it. I don't have very much "extra" money and with my kids and wife driving it I am just trying to cover my bases.

Thanks Again,

jj

[Salsa Guy]

ECU=ECM=PCM same thing just different names. I assume the GM will honor the recall but my Vibe GT or AWD Matrix were affected by it. I'm surprised more Vibe/Matrix owners haven't weighted in on this. It's kind of a "dead" period with the holidays. The recall is regarding some bad solder joints on the ECM and could cause some goofy stuff to happen.

As stated there are solid little cars. With regular care and normal maintenance you should be able to get 200K miles out of it. Is it an Auto or Manual? A fluid change over wouldn't be a bad idea but don't do a flush on the AT if it hasn't been done before.

[Salsa Guy]

Oh yea PM me the VIN and your e-mail and I'll run a free AutoCheck report. Will have results back quickly